Antonio Conte’s Chelsea seem to be uncatchable at the moment as they continue to pile on the victories in the Premier League this season. Their 3-0 victory over Boro in the previous round has taken them to 46 points, 6 off Liverpool in the second place. They will face a tricky test this week against Mark Hughes’ Stoke side, who lost 4-1 at Anfield in the previous round. Conte will know that he cannot allow any complacency to settle in and will hope that his side can keep the winning momentum going into the new year. He is expected to field a strong side for this game and here is our predicted lineup that he might play for this game:

Team News:

Antonio Conte will welcome back the likes of Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante after suspensions. John Terry and John Obi Mikel remain sidelined while Spanish winger Pedro is now suspended for this game against Stoke for picking up his 5th booking of the season.

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Thibaut Courtois:

One of the most consistent goalkeepers in the league, Courtois, should keep his place in the squad for this game.

Cesar Azpilicueta:

The Spaniard has been in sublime form, helping his side to yet another clean sheet in the previous round. He is one of the most underrated defenders in Europe at the moment.

David Luiz:

The Brazilian has been solid at the back playing as a sweeper and he should keep his place in the side for this game against Stoke.

Gary Cahill:

The veteran English defender is growing confident by the game. After few below par performances at the start of the season, Cahill seems to have picked up himself and has been a solid figure for the Blues in recent times.

Victor Moses:

The surprise package for Chelsea this season, Moses, has been an impact player from the flank and continue to be deployed as a right wing back.

Nemanja Matic:

The Serbian has been decent in the middle of the park for Chelsea and Conte should start him alongside his partner in crime Kante.

N Golo Kante:

Coming back from suspension, Kante, should be fresh and raring to go. He should replace Fabregas in the starting XI despite the Spaniard’s efforts to help the team last time out.

Marcos Alonso:

The Italian wing-back has settled in well into his role at the club in his debut season in the league. There seems to be no stopping him at the moment.

Willian:

Having been replaced by Pedro in the starting XI this season, Willian, should get his chance to prove himself in this game in the absence of the Spanish winger who is suspended.

Eden Hazard:

The Belgian has been unstoppable this season in the final third and he should have a decent game if Chelsea are to take all three points from this game.

Diego Costa:

The top goal scorer in the league so far this season, Costa, has been the savior for Chelsea on more than one occasions this season. He returns to the starting XI after sitting out the last game with suspension.